Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

In-custody death of Concord man charged with murdering parents New Year’s Eve under investigation

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Sustained self-inflicted head injuries at Martinez Detention Facility

By Jimmy Lee, PIO, Director of Public Affairs, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff and the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office are currently jointly investigating an in-custody death that occurred at the Martinez Detention Facility.

On Thursday, January 8, 2026, at about 5:38 AM, Contra Costa Health medical staff at MDF responded to a housing module for a report of head injuries that an inmate apparently sustained as a result of him purposely banging his head while housed in a cell. Minutes later, the fire department and an ambulance were called to transport the inmate to a local hospital.

At about 8:30 AM, the inmate was medically cleared at the hospital. He was uncooperative with deputy sheriffs while being transported back to MDF. While at MDF he was given medication by medical staff.

At about 5:48 PM, a deputy sheriff found the inmate unconscious inside his cell.

Jail medical staff responded while deputies performed CPR. The fire department and an ambulance also responded and later declared the inmate deceased. The countywide law enforcement involved fatal incident protocol was invoked.

The inmate is identified as 61-year-old Kirk Richardson of Concord. On December 31, 2025, Richardson was arrested by the Concord Police Department for murder of his parents. He was booked into MDF on two counts of murder and had been held since that time.

As previously reported, on Dec. 31, 2025, at approximately 7:00 a.m., officers responded to a 911 call reporting a family disturbance in the 3900 block of Walnut Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located two individuals, a 90-year-old man and an 85-year-old woman, who were deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.  Richards on was at the residence was detained and subsequently arrested in connection with the incident.

He was arraigned on Wednesday and had another court date set for Thursday afternoon. The five-foot, ten-inch tall, 200-pound Richardson was being held on $4 million bail.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Rep. Harder’s Safer Response Act to protect law enforcement from fentanyl exposure signed into law

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Fentanyl. Photo: CDC

One in five emergency calls are for overdoses, exposing first responders to contamination and infection

New law spearheads nationwide effort to stop overdose deaths and crack down on trafficking

By Julie S. Kramer, Press Secretary, Office of Congressman Josh Harder

WASHINGTON – On Dec. 11, 2025, Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA-09) announced that his bipartisan bill to protect law enforcement from fentanyl exposure has been signed into law, unlocking $57 million every year through 2030 for overdose training for local law enforcement. Led with Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), the Safer Response Act was included in a broader package of substance use prevention and recovery legislation that passed the Senate in September, alongside the rollout of a brand-new nationwide initiative to combat the fentanyl crisis.

Fentanyl in our community puts everyone at risk:

  • Despite declines, fentanyl overdoses continue to be the leading cause of deathfor Americans aged 18-45, killing nearly 50,000 people last year alone.
  • This creates an escalating crisis for first responders, with up to one-in-fiveemergency medical service calls involving overdose response.
  • First responders are at riskof accidental exposure, contamination, and infection when responding to overdose emergencies.

“Our brave first responders never hesitate to answer the call and step in to save lives every single day, and they shouldn’t have to worry about self-exposure while they’re working to reverse life-threatening fentanyl overdoses,” said Harder. “This bill is going to bring millions for better training and modern resources to Valley departments, which will mean fewer lives lost to the deadly fentanyl epidemic. I’m grateful that lawmakers from across the aisle joined together to send this to the President’s desk, and I’m committed to ensuring our community continues to benefit from common-sense laws like this.”

How the Safer Response Act supports law enforcement:

  • New technical assistance for local first responders to address overdoses.
  • Additional training on how first responders and emergency medical services can protect themselves in the event of exposure.
  • Outreach coordination teams to bridge gaps between public and private medical and emergency response partnerships.

Harder has made cracking down on the growing fentanyl crisis a top priority – he helped pass a bipartisan bill to put more fentanyl traffickers behind bars, and he is leading new legislation to close drug manufacturing loopholes that traffickers use to escape justice. Earlier this year, Harder met with more than 200 narcotics officers representing state associations across the country, including in California, as part of the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition’s (NNOAC) 2025 Delegate Conference.

Congressman Harder represents the 9th Congressional District of California. Following the passage of Prop. 50 last November, the new district boundaries will include Pittsburg, Antioch and portions of Oakley and other areas in Eastern Contra Costa County. Harder is expected to run for re-election in the new district.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CA Office of Traffic Safety awards Contra Costa DA’s Office over $300k grant for DUI Prosecution Team

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By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) of $323,500 to support a specialized prosecution team dedicated to alcohol and drug-impaired driving cases.

“We are grateful for this grant, which will allow us to focus specifically on holding individuals accountable for impaired driving and making the roads in our community safer for everyone,” District Attorney Diana Becton said. “Driving Under the Influence remains a significant danger on our roads. This funding strengthens our commitment to improving road safety and making sure justice is served effectively and efficiently.”

The specialized prosecution team will also partner with the statewide Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor Training Program (TSRP) to train other prosecutors and investigators and collaborate with law enforcement agencies on best practices for handling and managing driving under the influence (DUI) cases.

“Through focused prosecution efforts and strong partnerships, we are working toward a future where all people will be safe on California roads,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “Together, we’re holding impaired drivers accountable and encouraging safe, responsible choices that help build a culture where safety comes first.”

This is the first year the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has received funding from the OTS for a specialized DUI prosecution program. The grant program runs through September 2026.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Concord man charged with murdering parents on New Year’s Eve

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61-year-old Kirk Laroy Richardson held on $4 million bail

By Allen D. Payton

As previously reported, on Dec. 31, 2025, at approximately 7:00 a.m., Concord Police Department officers responded to a 911 call reporting a family disturbance in the 3900 block of Walnut Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located two individuals, a 90-year-old man and an 85-year-old woman, who were deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. A third individual at the residence was detained and subsequently arrested in connection with the incident.

According to the Concord Police Department in a Facebook post on Jan. 2, 2026, “This case was referred to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office for filing considerations. This morning, the District Attorney’s Office filed two counts of Murder (PC187) with enhancements for use of a firearm, against 61-year-old Kirk Richardson for the murder of his parents. Richardson remains in custody and is being held in lieu of $4 million bail.”

According to Ted Asregadoo, PIO for the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office, “Kirk Laroy Richardson was arraigned today, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at 1:30 pm in Martinez in Department 6 (Judge David Goldstein). Richardson is in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility. His bond is currently listed on the Sheriff’s In-Custody Locator at four million dollars.”

According to the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the five-foot, ten-inch tall, 200-pound Richardson is Hispanic and has another court date scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 8, also at 1:30 p.m. in Superior Court Department 5 in Martinez.

“Attached is the complaint our office filed with the court on 1/2/26 that lists the charges,” Asregadoo added. According to the complaint, Richardson is charged with two counts of murder and faces 25 years to life in prison for each count.

01-26-00001 – KLRichardson Charging Document

City of Martinez kicks off Sesquicentennial Celebration: “Past, Present, Future, Together”

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150th Anniversary of Cityhood

By Eve Kearney, Martinez City Manager’s Office

Martinez, CA — The City of Martinez is proud to celebrate the beginning of its Sesquicentennial year, marking 150 years since the City’s incorporation on April 1, 1876. Under the theme “Past, Present, Future, Together,” the City will honor its rich history, vibrant community, and bright future ahead. The City will be celebrating its 150th Anniversary on April 1, 2026, and to mark this momentous occasion, the City will be undertaking initiatives and events throughout 2026.

The Sesquicentennial will be recognized throughout the entire 2026 calendar year with special events, community projects, and opportunities for residents to celebrate the community’s legacy and help shape its next chapter.
Milestone Events

As part of the Sesquicentennial year, the City will hold three official events to honor the 150th anniversary.

  • Early 2026 – District Community Sessions: To foster meaningful engagement and share the City’s forward-looking plans, Martinez will host Community Sessions in each district early in the year. These sessions will give residents a chance to learn about current City initiatives preparing Martinez for the future, offer input and ask questions, and connect with neighbors and City leaders.
  • April 1, 2026 – Sesquicentennial City Council Meeting: April 1st marks the official 150th anniversary of Martinez’s incorporation. To honor this historic date, the City Council will hold a commemorative meeting featuring historical reflections, special recognitions, and highlights of Sesquicentennial initiatives taking place throughout the year.
  • August 29, 2026 – Sesquicentennial Festival: To bring residents together in celebration of Martinez’s history and community spirit, the City will host a large-scale festival on August 29th featuring music, food, activities, and cultural showcases. The festival will highlight the people and stories that have shaped Martinez across generations.

Milestone Projects

As part of the Sesquicentennial, the City is launching three key initiatives designed to strengthen Martinez’s future while celebrating its identity.

  • Park System Master Plan Update: A comprehensive effort to re‑envision Martinez’s parks, open spaces, and recreation facilities for generations to come. Through community collaboration and thoughtful planning, this update will provide a roadmap to enhance existing spaces, expand opportunities, and strengthen connection between people and their parks.
  • Utility Box Art Program: A creative beautification project that will transform utility boxes throughout the City into works of public art celebrating Martinez’s culture, history, and community.
  • 150 Trees for 150 Years: More than 150 trees have been planted across the City in advance of the Sesquicentennial year along Alhambra Avenue, Marina Vista, Arnold Drive, and other key corridors throughout Martinez. Residents will see these new trees begin to flourish as part of the Sesquicentennial year.

A Community Celebration

Residents, businesses, and community organizations are encouraged to participate in the celebratory events and key projects throughout 2026.

“Martinez’s Sesquicentennial is a celebration of where we’ve been and where we’re going,” said Mayor Brianne Zorn. “Together, we will honor our past, embrace our present, and build a future that reflects the spirit and resilience of our community.”

District Community Sessions 

The City is hosting district Community Sessions to kick off the year! Meet your District Representative and the Mayor and learn about key City initiatives planned or already underway.

Topics at these Sessions include:

  • Sesquicentennial Celebration year
  • City 4-Year Strategic Plan
  • Waterfront and Marina Revitalization Project
  • Park Masterplan Update

We’re bringing these conversations directly to you by hosting one session in each district of the City. No matter which date or location you attend, the topics and discussions will be the same, so you can choose the session most convenient for you and still be part of this conversation about our shared future.

January 15, 2026 5:30-7:30pm – District 4

Grace Episcopal Church, 130 Muir Station Road

Hosted by District Council Member Debbie McKillop and Mayor Zorn

January 28, 2026 6:30-8:30pm – District 2

John Muir Elementary School, 205 Vista Way

Hosted by District Council Member Greg Young and Mayor Zorn

February 12, 2026 6-8pm – District 3

Location to be confirmed

Hosted by District Council Member Satinder Malhi and Mayor Zorn

February 25, 2026 6-8pm – District 1

Alhambra High School, 150 E Street

Hosted by District Council Member Jay Howard and Mayor Zorn

Additional events and details will be shared on the City’s official channels as the celebration year unfolds, including on the City website at www.cityofmartinez.org/150.

City of Brentwood, Police Department provide update on investigations regarding death of Yolanda Ramirez

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Photo source: Yolanda Bustos Ramirez’s obituary.

Plan to release body cam, dash cam video footage of officer involved incident

City council votes to defend lawsuit from family

“Justice for Yolanda Ramirez” Facebook Page created, family issues list of demands

By Melissa Ballesteros, Executive Assistant City Manager’s Office / City Council Office

BRENTWOOD, CA – The City of Brentwood and the Brentwood Police Department are providing an update regarding the ongoing investigations into the incident regarding the officer involved death of 72-year-old Yolanda Bustos Ramirez on Oct. 2, 2025.

On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at a legally noticed special Council meeting, Mayor Susannah Meyer reported that the City Council and the Brentwood Police Department remain fully committed to cooperating with the independent investigation being conducted by the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. The investigation is independent, and it is essential that it be allowed to proceed thoroughly, objectively, and without interference. Out of respect for the integrity of the investigative process and for the Ramirez family, the City of Brentwood and the Brentwood Police Department will not speculate or comment on matters currently under review.

During the closed City Council session, the Brentwood City Council voted 4-0, with one council member absent, to authorize the City’s Legal Department to defend the lawsuit recently filed by the Ramirez family.

Police Chief’s Statement on Actions Taken and Cooperation with the District Attorney

Interim Police Chief Walter O’Grodnick stated, “On Thursday, October 2, 2025, I notified the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office that I formally invoked the County Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident Protocol. At the same time, I directed our Professional Standards Unit to initiate a separate administrative investigation focused on policy compliance and procedural review. That administrative investigation was later assigned to an independent third-party investigator to ensure independence and objectivity.

The District Attorney’s protocol team arrived the same day I initiated the protocol and were immediately provided with full access to relevant evidence, including:

  • 911 recordings
  • Body-worn camera footage
  • In-car camera footage
  • Police reports and related documentation
  • Police vehicle involved in the incident

The Brentwood Police Department has fully cooperated with the District Attorney’s Office. We have not restricted or limited the DA’s access to any information the DA has requested. I want the Ramirez family and the community to know that I am fully committed to professionalism, accountability, objectivity, fairness, and adherence to the law and constitutional rights.”

Planned Release of Footage

Consistent with the City’s commitment to transparency, accountability and due process, and given the progress of the investigations, Mayor Meyer announced that the Brentwood City Council has directed staff to release footage of the police contact with Ms. Ramirez first to the Ramirez family and then to the public, no later than February 28, 2026.

The Brentwood City Council and the Brentwood Police Department appreciate the community’s patience and respect for the investigative process during this time.

Anyone with additional information or documentation related to this incident is asked to contact the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Investigations at (925) 957-2200.

“Justice for Yolanda Ramirez” Facebook Page Created, Family Issues List of Demands

A Facebook page has been created entitled, “Justice for Yolanda Ramirez”. The description reads, “This is an open space where family, loved ones, and the community can share about Yolanda Ramirez. Please share any memories, updates about Yolanda Ramirez. Please use the Hashtag: #JusticeForYolanda or #JusticeForYolandaRamirez to help spread the word.”

A post on Nov. 21, 2025, shares the demands of the family. It reads, “Our family’s nightmare began when we learned from a neighbor that our beloved, Yolanda Ramirez, was taken to the hospital in an ambulance after being in the custody of the Brentwood Police Department in the morning of Friday September 26th. The nightmare became our reality on Friday October 3rd, when she passed in the hospital, because of the tragic and unnecessary actions of the Brentwood Police Department.

“Yolanda Ramirez, 72 years old, was the heart and soul of our family. She was a warm, kind, supportive and loving wife, mother/mother-in-law, grandmother, sister/sister-in-law, Tia, and friend. She would do anything for her family and friends, especially dropping anything she was doing to spend time with her grandchildren. She took great pride in helping others, as she was an avid blood donor. On the morning of Friday September 26th, she kissed and hugged her soulmate of 54 years for the last time as she went to pick up her brother to take him to the doctor. Her life was important, and she deserved to be treated with dignity and care, as any elderly adult, while in the custody of law enforcement. She had no previous trouble with law enforcement.

“Our family has many unanswered questions about the circumstances surrounding the events that contributed to her death. We were denied a copy of the police report because we are not involved in the incident. The only information we have come from several brave and outspoken neighbors that witnessed the police encounter. We fear for others in similar situations and demand a full, independent, and transparent investigation into what happened.

“We call on the Brentwood Police Department to provide immediate and complete answers to our family and the community.

“We are demanding:

  1. Assurances that Officer PEACHMAN and the unidentified female officer have been removed from active duty pending the investigation.
  2. Officer PEACHMAN to resign immediately from the police association president post. That position is for someone that displays true leadership, abides by the mission statement of the police department, and knows how to deal with the vulnerable population of our community, which he as obviously failed.
  3. The immediate release of all relevant documents, incident reports, all video footage (including body cameras, dash cameras, and any videos obtained from neighbors), dispatch records/logs related to her time in custody.
  4. An independent investigation by an outside agency that will remain impartial, transparent, and hold those of wrongdoing accountable!
  5. Revaluation of the police policies and procedures of law enforcement interaction with nonviolent incidents pertaining to the vulnerable population in our community. It is obvious that training is needed for some law enforcement officials even if they have 10 years’ experience. Also, the department being very transparent with the public from the onset of such incidents to retain the community trust.

“Our family will not stop fighting for Justice for Yolanda. She was failed by a system that should have ‘protected and enhanced the quality of life through uncompromised dedication, professionalism, and integrity’ as stated in the mission statement of the Brentwood Police Department. We demand accountability and systemic change to ensure that no other family has to experience something similar and yet preventable. #JusticeForYolanda”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

CHP welcomes five officers to Contra Costa County

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Five new CHP officers have joined the force in Contra Costa County including (L-R) Anthony Manzo badge #24910, K. Wheeler #25019, Dylan Hoffman #24951, E. Rios #24994 and O. Karimi #24895. Photo: CHP Contra Costa

Graduates from final class of 2025 including valedictorian

By Allen D. Payton

A post on the CHP – Contra Costa Facebook page on Dec. 23, 2025, reads, “Please join us in welcoming five new officers to the CHP Contra Costa Area! These officers are members of Cadet Training Class III-25 and are beginning the next chapter of their careers as they start Field Training, gaining valuable knowledge and hands-on experience from their Field Training Officers.

We’re proud to have you and look forward to watching you grow, serve, and protect the Contra Costa area.”

The five graduated in the year’s final class on Dec. 5, 2025.

According to Synthia Ramirez of the CHP Office of Media Relations, “While at the CHP Academy, cadets have the option of requesting a news release/article in their hometowns. Only two of the five new officers at the CHP Contra Costa Area office wanted a news release.” They include Officers Dylan Hoffman and Anthony Martin Manzo, and according to CHP Contra Costa PIO Dan Gilmore, the other three new officers are K. Wheeler, E. Rios and O. Karimi.

New CHP Contra Costa Officer and Cadet Training Class III-25 Valedictorian Anthony Manzo. Photo: CHP

Officer Anthony Martin Manzo – Class Valedictorian

According to Jaime Coffee, CHP Director of Comm unications, Office of Media Relations, on Dec. 5, 2025, Anthony Manzo of Turlock, Calif. successfully completed cadet training at the CHP Academy and is assigned to duty at the CHP’s Contra Costa Area Office.

Officer Manzo graduated from John H. Pitman High School in 2022 and then attended Modesto Junior College. Before attending the CHP Academy, he worked as a sales apprentice at America’s Tire in Turlock. As a new CHP officer, he is eager to contribute to keeping California’s roads safe for all travelers. During graduation, he was named class Valedictorian for his outstanding academic performance at the academy.

New CHP Contra Costa Officer Dylan Hoffman. Photo: CHP

Officer Dylan Hoffman

Dylan Hoffman of Roseville, CA, has also successfully completed cadet training at the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Academy. He is assigned to duty at the CHP’s Contra Costa Area office.

Officer Hoffman graduated from Rocklin High School in 2022. Before attending the CHP Academy, he worked as a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technician for Impact Air Solutions in Carmichael, Calif. He says he will miss the connections and stories shared with his classmates, as well as the motivation that came from early-morning physical training.

About the CHP Academy

At the CHP Academy, cadet training starts with nobility in policing, leadership, professionalism, ethics, and cultural diversity. Training also includes mental illness response and crisis intervention techniques. Cadet instruction covers patrol operations, crash investigation, first aid, and the arrest of suspected violators, including those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The cadets also receive training in traffic control, report writing, recovery of stolen vehicles, assisting the motoring public, issuing citations, emergency scene management, and knowledge of various codes, including the Vehicle Code, Penal Code, and Health and Safety Code.

The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service and Security.

Ex-Danville biology teacher, San Ramon cheer coach from Concord gets prison for child exploitation

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Nicholas Brandon Moseby. Photo source: The Rob Harvey on Facebook

44-year-old Nicholas Brandon Moseby sentenced to the maximum 3 years, 8 months

Following arrest in September 2022, conviction last October and investigation by multi-agency task force

By Ted Asregadoo, PIO, Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office

Martinez, California – Former San Ramon Valley School District biology teacher and cheerleading coach Nicholas Brandon Moseby, 44, from Concord, was sentenced to state prison on December 31st, 2025, after being convicted of sexually abusing and exploiting minors.

Moseby was sentenced by the Honorable Joni T. Hiramoto to three years and 8 months in state prison — the maximum term of incarceration allowed by law — and ordered to register for life as a sex offender.

After the court proceedings, Moseby was remanded into custody to immediately serve his prison sentence.

The investigation into and eventual arrest of Moseby occurred on September 14th, 2022. That’s when the Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force served a search warrant at Moseby’s residence in Concord after receiving a report he had sent harmful material to a minor. The subsequent investigation determined Moseby had also unlawfully touched several different minors at schools he taught at, and during cheerleading training session in the San Ramon area.

After a five-week trial in September and October 2025, Moseby was found guilty of lewd acts with a child and sending harmful material to a minor, both felonies. Moseby was also convicted of two misdemeanors, sexual battery and annoying and molesting a minor.

“This sentencing marks the end of a three-year legal process and delivers long-awaited justice for the brave victims who came forward,” said Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton. “We hope this outcome brings them a measure of closure and affirms that their voices were heard.”

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Jessica Murad with the Sexual Assault Unit for the District Attorney’s Office. The Contra Costa County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force led the investigation with significant assistance from the Danville Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. The Task Force includes detectives and investigators from the police departments of Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Brentwood, Pittsburg, San Ramon, Danville, Oakley and Moraga, as well as the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and Inspectors from the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.

Case No. 01-22-01583 | The People of the State of California v. Moseby, Nicholas Brandon

Police identify victim in Richmond IHOP restaurant homicide

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Romario Garcia in photos posted on his Facebook page on June 20, 2023, (left) and June 20, 2024 (right).

Person of interest who shot co-worker has also died from self-inflicted gunshot wound, not yet ID’d

By Allen D. Payton

On Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, Richmond Police Chief of Staff and Public Information Officer Lt. Donald Patchin reported that the victim in the homicide on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, “has been identified as Romario Rayo Garcia.”

Family members shared the name of the victim with KTVU-FOX2 which reported on Friday his age as 31 years old, and also reported the death of the 44-year-old male person of interest in the case. The two were coworkers at the I-HOP Restaurant in Richmond where the shooting occurred.

The following day, Dec. 30, as previously reported, while addressing an unrelated call for service in the parking lot of the San Pablo Police Department, SPPD officers were approached by an adult male subject – the person of interest in the Richmond shooting – who attempted to make contact with officers. Due to a language barrier, communication was limited. Following a brief interaction, the male subject walked away, and the officer resumed addressing the original call for service.

Shortly thereafter, officers heard a single gunshot near the Police Department parking lot. Officers immediately responded and located the male subject suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers rendered life-saving aid, and the male was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

However, Patchin added, “The suspect has not been identified. I am waiting for confirmation that next of kin has been notified from Alameda County.”

Please check back later for any updates to this report.

Contra Costa Supervisor’s son undergoes successful bone marrow stem cell transplant for aplastic anemia

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Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia with his son, Chris at past Coastal Cleanup in Richmond, and with Chris’ mother Maria “Charo” Gioia at the Stanford Medical Center housing. Photos courtesy of John Gioia

Family members share of Chris Gioia’s health journey, call for donors

By Allen D. Payton

Last summer, Chris Gioia, the 33-year-old son of Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, underwent a bone marrow stem cell transplant for his aplastic anemia and Gioia, Chris’s mother, Maria “Charo” Gioia, and her husband, Marc Joffe recently shared about his experience. Spanish-language television channel, Telemundo first reported about Chris’ health challenges and journey on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025.

In a Facebook post later that day, Supervisor Gioia wrote, “During Thanksgiving, I give thanks and express gratitude for the positive things in my life.

This year I am especially thankful for my son Chris’ health after his successful bone marrow stem cell transplant at Stanford Hospital to cure his rare life threatening autoimmune disease – Aplastic Anemia.

Thanks to Pilar Nino and Telemundo 48’s great TV story about my son’s recovery and publicizing the need for more stem cell donors. They interviewed Chris, his mom, me and a Contra Costa Health Doctor.

If you’re under 36 you can register to be a stem cell donor at nmdp.org and help save a life.”

Chris Gioia in hospital bed preparing for the transplant.

About Aplastic Anemia

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Aplastic anemia is a condition that happens when your bone marrow stops making enough new blood cells. The condition leaves you tired and more prone to infections and uncontrolled bleeding.

“A rare and serious condition, aplastic anemia can develop at any age. It can happen suddenly, or it can come on slowly and worsen over time. It can be mild or severe.

“Treatment for aplastic anemia might include medicines, blood transfusions or a stem cell transplant, also known as a bone marrow transplant.

Mom Shares Details of Successful Transplant

In an interview with the Herald, Charo Gioia shared more details about her son’s experience.

“The whole process began in early April, this year. Marc and I were in Europe, in Croatia. Chris was with his dad, John who called me and told me what happened,” she shared.

“He was diagnosed in April, and he was hospitalized at Kaiser in Oakland. He was there for almost two months,” Charo continued. “He stopped working, and basically all activities. He was receiving daily transfusions. Once his numbers related to platelets became higher than 10, the doctors felt he could go home until the bone marrow transplant. Chris went to his dad’s home.”

“In late July, Stanford Hospital called and said they were ready for the transplant. Chris was hospitalized again to receive chemo, radiation and other treatments to prepare for the transplant,” she explained. “He was in the hospital for about one month before and after the bone marrow transplant. The actual transplant was on August 5.”

“We were very lucky because then the doctors at Stanford wanted him to stay close to the hospital for two months and we were provided an apartment by Stanford across from the hospital,” Charo said. “I stayed with Christopher and my sister helped out.”

“His autoimmune system was down, he had to be isolated and have his meals prepared by someone else,” she shared. “Chris’s autoimmune system improved immediately after the transplant. He then stayed with me and Marc at our house for about a month. His numbers improved. His platelet count was at like 10. Right now, they’re at 140. So, it’s a huge jump.”

Donor from Germany, Amazing News

“He received new stem cells from a donor in Germany. She’s 24 and that’s all we know,” Charo stated.

But first, Chris received some amazing news.

“This is very important. Stanford has a worldwide bank of donors. They go all over the world,” she explained. “Chris received a letter telling him that his match was his own stem cells from a donation he made 10 years ago while in college. But they wouldn’t work. I was not a match, his dad was not a match, nor his sister.”

“The donor from Germany, a young lady took a lot of tests to make sure that she’s very healthy inside and out,” Charo continued. “They took the mother cells from her bone marrow. They have to be taken from Germany all the way to Stanford within 48 hours after they’re extracted. The blood had to be fresh.”

“After a year, the hospital can contact her and ask her if she wants contact with us to say, ‘thank you’ and have an exchange. She can either accept or decline,” Charo stated. “She does not get any compensation as it’s against the law. But she gets her expenses covered.”

Chris with dad, John after the transplant and standing next to his list of treatments two weeks after the procedure.

Greater Need for Donations from African Americans, Asians and Latinos

“The donors, if you are white, you have a much higher percent of finding a match,” she said. “But if you’re African American, Asian or Latino the numbers go down because people don’t donate. Either they’re not aware or don’t donate enough. So, they’re pushing for people in those communities to donate.”

“Doctors mentioned a possible fear,” as the reason for the lack of donations, Charo explained. “But nothing is going to be cut from your body. This is not an organ donation. It’s a blood donation.”

“For Chris’ aplastic anemia, which is not cancer but a blood disease, the lady had to go through total anesthesia. They had to inject a needle into her bone to extract the bone marrow. There was some pain after,” she shared. “For other cancers, the donor doesn’t have to go through that. It would be a regular blood donation. The donor can always say, ‘no’. It’s all voluntary, of course.”

“We are forever thankful to that young woman, because she’s a total stranger. An angel,” Charo exclaimed. “For aplastic anemia, if Chris chose not to have the transplant, he would have had to stay in doors for the rest of his life and go have transfusions.”

“Eleanor Roosevelt died of the same disease. This one is a miracle story,” she added

Chris with dad, John and sister, Emilia Gioia in San Francisco for Father’s Day 2024.

Stepdad Shares

Joffe posted on Facebook a link to the Telemundo report on Nov. 29 and wrote, “My stepson Chris is recovering nicely from a bone marrow transplant he received in August. In this Spanish language news story he and my wife Maria Iberico Gioia discuss the experience and thank the as-yet anonymous donor. She’ll have the option of making herself known to us one year after the transplant.

Earlier this year, Chris’ blood counts suddenly fell to near zero due to a case of aplastic anemia, a rare condition in which the patient’s bone marrow stops producing platelets as well as red and white blood cells.

He got great care at Stanford Medical Center and benefited from the advocacy and support provided by his mom, aunt, and his dad, John Gioia who arranged for this story to appear on Telemundo.

If you’re between 18 and 35 and want the chance to be someone else’s hero, please join the bone marrow donor registry: https://www.nmdp.org/get-involved/join-the-registry

County Health Now Partners with NMDP

“The Contra Costa County Health Department has now formed a partnership with NMDP and is hosting events to get donors,” Supervisor Gioia added.

About NMDP, formerly National Marrow Donor Program

NMDP is a global nonprofit leader in cell therapy, helping find cures and save lives for patients with blood cancers and disorders. Since our founding in 1987, the world has evolved—and so have we. Throughout the years, we’ve been known by many names, including the National Marrow Donor Program® and Be The Match®. In early 2024, we changed our name to NMDPSM—a single, modernized brand that’s flexible enough to meet our ambitious future.